When a new designer somehow manages to change the aesthetic scene of an entire event, it's a pretty safe bet they're the next big thing. Such was the case with this year's Whitney Art Party, with Alexandra O'Neill giving the crowd a much needed 'Kira Kira' shine, dressing everyone from Hilary Rhoda to Ashley Graham in her line Markarian's latest collection of dream, prêt-à-party dresses.

Fresh off a November launch on The Platform, Moda Operandi's new incubator for emerging designers, Markarian's is a "feminine and ethereal" look - one pretty piece after another that will have you making an occasion out of just about anything. As one who clearly practices what she preaches, Alexandra's Greenwich Village home is just as well styled as the designer herself. We caught up with Ali at her divinely decorated downtown abode to get the skinny on everything from her must-shop stores to that one piece every woman should have in her closet.